AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Price Policy: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after a 2025/26 record 2,800 CFA price and a recent global rally driven by fears over West African crop quality. Cocoa Market Pulse: Prices jumped again to 11-month highs as black pod disease risk rises with poor sunshine in Ivory Coast and Ghana, while early surveys point to a weaker Ivory Coast harvest and a smaller Ghana crop. Regional Security: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Niamey’s Base 101 airport area in Niger, a site previously hit by jihadist groups including IS Sahel and JNIM. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Qatar’s international cooperation minister met virtually with Côte d’Ivoire’s cohesion and poverty-fighting minister, and also discussed ties with the African Development Bank. Sports (Ghana vs Ivory Coast): Ghana’s football chief Kurt Okraku says a new Black Stars coach is 99% in place ahead of AFCON qualifiers, with Ivory Coast among their group rivals.

AFCON Coaching Update: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars’ next head coach is “99% in place,” with only final paperwork left before the team regroups for 2027 qualifiers, and he insists the squad has shaken off the “psychological block” ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire clash in Bouaké. Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Football Context: Okraku also credits Ghana’s 2023 AFCON mistakes—especially the late collapse vs Mozambique—for helping Ivory Coast’s path to the title. Cocoa & Child Labour: Ferrero and Save the Children’s Cacao Connect initiative reports progress in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including more access to education and reduced poverty levels, as the fight against child labour continues. Business in Ivory Coast: Olam Agri completes its acquisition of ASAF, nearly doubling rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire to boost traceable supply for international buyers. Health & Care: A study highlights how misunderstandings about malaria treatment lead some patients to stop medication early—undermining efforts to control the disease. Regional Security Lens: Coverage from the Sahel points to the limits of new security arrangements after coups, warning that changing partners and uniforms hasn’t yet translated into safer outcomes for civilians.

AFCON Qualifiers Focus: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the “psychological block” that hurt the Black Stars in big games is gone, adding that Ghana’s past mistakes helped Ivory Coast’s rise to AFCON glory; the teams meet in Bouaké on 24 September 2026. Sports Spotlight: Ivory Coast legend Yaya Touré made history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase, after Slovan Bratislava beat Celje on aggregate. Cocoa & Accountability: A new Ivory Coast cocoa study warns that at least 1 in 4 traceability audits may include manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising pressure ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Business & Jobs: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of ASAF, nearly doubling its rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast to boost traceable supply for international buyers. Health & Treatment: Coverage highlights how malaria misconceptions and poor adherence can worsen outcomes, while separate reporting notes Senegal’s first Africa-made sickle cell treatment is expanding access. Diplomacy: Qatar’s international cooperation minister met Côte d’Ivoire’s Belmonde Dogo and the AfDB president to discuss cooperation.

Meta Settlement & Youth Safety: Parents in the US question what Meta hid after a $18bn settlement over alleged design flaws that fueled child addiction, cyberbullying and extortion, with Meta promising stronger protections for young users. Côte d’Ivoire–Qatar/AfDB Diplomacy: Belmonde Dogo met Qatar’s international cooperation minister Maryam al-Misnad and also held talks with AfDB president Sidi Ould Tah, focusing on cooperation and support. Cocoa Integrity in Côte d’Ivoire: A study warns that at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire may include manipulated data, raising fresh concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Cocoa Community Progress: Ferrero and Save the Children report gains in tackling child labour in Ivorian cocoa areas via education access and rights awareness, alongside poverty reduction. Health & Access: Research highlights how malaria treatment misunderstandings and stopping meds early can worsen outcomes, while Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has produced Africa-made hydroxyurea to cut sickle-cell costs. Business & Rubber Expansion: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire. Trade & Shipping Pressure: Dangote Cement says it may buy its own ships after failing to secure vessels for cement exports to Ghana, pointing to regional tax and logistics bottlenecks. Legislative Cooperation: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire moved to deepen parliamentary and agricultural cooperation after Ivorian lawmakers visited Vietnam’s agriculture models.

Cocoa Integrity Under Scrutiny: A new ETH Zurich-linked study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire used manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Cocoa Market Pressure: Cocoa prices stayed mixed as abundant global supplies weighed on sentiment, while Ivory Coast shipment volumes rose sharply in the marketing year. Regional Security Crackdown: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber fraud networks and linking the same criminal infrastructure to sextortion campaigns. Health Innovation in West Africa: A Senegalese firm says it has produced the first Africa-made generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, aiming to cut costs and improve access. Trade and Diplomacy: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire’s parliamentary leaders discussed deeper cooperation, including agricultural development models after visits to rice and processing sites in Can Tho. Sports Spotlight: Manchester City signed teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a reported $117m deal, seen as a long-term Rodri replacement.

INTERPOL Crackdown: Operation Jackal IV, an eight-month international push across 22 countries, ended August 25 with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified, targeting West African cyber-enabled fraud networks and money laundering; Côte d’Ivoire was among participating countries. Cocoa Integrity: A new study on Ivory Coast cocoa traceability audits found at least one in four audits used manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Côte d’Ivoire–Vietnam Ties: Ivorian National Assembly leaders met Vietnam counterparts in Hanoi and studied agricultural and seafood processing models in Can Tho, with rice trade and processing capacity highlighted. Business & Trade: CB&I won a three-year Ivory Coast contract for operations and maintenance of an FPSO vessel. Agriculture Plan: Côte d’Ivoire launched an interim coconut replanting push aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse falling production. Sports (Regional): Group F of the 2027 Africa World Cup qualifiers kicks off in Dakar with Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal tied on 11 points after six matches.

Timber Smuggling Probe: An investigation says Israeli-owned Horizon Logging shipped about US$437,000 worth of timber to Côte d’Ivoire in 2023-2024 without using Liberia’s legal LiberTrace system and without paying export taxes, pointing to smuggling across eastern borders. Cocoa Integrity Under Scrutiny: A new study warns that sustainability audits on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa farms may be manipulated, with auditors more likely to adjust records to meet planting benchmarks—raising concerns for EU-linked deforestation rules. Coconut Replanting Push: Côte d’Ivoire launched a plan to replant 100,000 hectares of coconut over the next decade after production fell sharply, with 2,000 hectares targeted for 2027. Oil & Gas Contract: CB&I’s Asset Solutions won a three-year operations and maintenance contract in Côte d’Ivoire for an FPSO vessel, including restart, integrity management and compliance. Crime Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Jackal IV (22 countries) led to 58 arrests and 263 suspects linked to West African cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering. Football Spotlight: Real Madrid officially presented Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, while OGC Nice confirmed Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi’s loan return.

INTERPOL Crackdown: Operation Jackal IV has led to 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, romance and investment scams, and sextortion. Agriculture Diplomacy: Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly President Patrick Achi met Vietnam’s NA leadership in Can Tho to study high-tech rice and seafood processing models, as both sides push deeper trade and cooperation. Cocoa Watch: Cocoa prices slipped as supply concerns eased, while a new study warns of weaknesses in sustainability audits on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa farms, raising questions about record manipulation tied to EU-linked deforestation rules. Coconut Push: Côte d’Ivoire launched an interim plan to replant coconut trees, aiming for 100,000 hectares over 10 years after production fell sharply. Oil & Gas Contract: CB&I Asset Solutions won a three-year Côte d’Ivoire FPSO operations and maintenance contract, including restart, integrity management, and regulatory compliance. Telemedicine in Abidjan: Umed eHealth Center says remote consultations are easing pressure on hospitals by handling minor cases via video links.

Diplomacy & Agriculture: Côte d’Ivoire National Assembly President Patrick Achi is in Vietnam for talks aimed at deepening parliamentary and economic cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, agro-processing and market organization. Cocoa Economy: Cocoa prices slipped as supply concerns eased, with data showing higher shipments and rising inventories, while early crop signals point to weaker prospects for the next harvest. EU Compliance Pressure: A new study flags manipulation risks in sustainability audits on some Ivorian cocoa farms, raising concerns for companies selling into the EU under deforestation rules. Telemedicine in Côte d’Ivoire: An eHealth center in Abidjan is using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for minor conditions like malaria tests, easing pressure on hospitals. Oil & Services Contract: CB&I won a three-year operations and maintenance contract in Côte d’Ivoire for an offshore FPSO vessel, citing local supply chain and capability building. Sports (Ivory Coast links): OGC Nice confirmed Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi’s loan return, while Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande marked his debut after a record-setting move.

Telemedicine in Côte d’Ivoire: Umed eHealth Center is using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for minor illnesses and basic tests like malaria, easing pressure on hospitals in Abidjan. National Assembly diplomacy: President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly Patrick Achi visited Vietnam National University of Agriculture in Hanoi, urging stronger learning on rice production, agro-processing, cooperatives and training. Telecom business: MTN reported solid H1 growth, citing faster subscriber gains across markets including Côte d’Ivoire, alongside cost controls and network investment. Oil services contract: CB&I Asset Solutions won a three-year operations and maintenance deal in Côte d’Ivoire for an offshore FPSO, covering safe restart, integrity management and compliance. Cyber safety warning: Police urged the public to “Stop. Check. Report.” after a sophisticated online investment scam, stressing verification before sharing money or personal details. Sports—local spotlight: Ivorian Yan Diomande marked his Real Madrid debut after a record-setting move, while Elye Wahi arrived in Nice for another loan deal.

Trade & Integration: Türkiye says its exports to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members hit $41.5bn in the first seven months of 2026, naming Côte d’Ivoire among 21 “focus” countries under a push to raise the share of Islamic markets in total exports to 30% by 2028. Healthcare Access: Côte d’Ivoire is expanding telemedicine via the Umed eHealth Center in Abidjan, using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for minor cases like malaria tests. Sports & Talent: Real Madrid officially signed Ivorian winger Yan Diomande on a seven-year deal, with reports valuing the move at about €125m; separately, Manchester United’s Ivorian forward Amad Diallo missed the season opener due to a training “niggle.” Cocoa & EU Rules: London cocoa eased while Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa regulator says the country is ready for new EU anti-deforestation rules, though exporters warn compliance could disrupt purchases and exports. Business & Jobs: UBA inducted 374 graduate trainees across Africa, including 29 from Ivory Coast, into its GMAP program.

Telemedicine in Côte d’Ivoire: Umed eHealth Center says it’s cutting travel and waiting-room stress by connecting Abidjan patients to doctors via video calls for minor cases like malaria tests and early symptoms. US Court on Visa Ban: A Manhattan federal judge struck down a Trump policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ivory Coast—calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department chief’s authority. Real Madrid’s Yan Diomandé: The 19-year-old Ivorian winger marked his Real Madrid debut with Cristiano Ronaldo following him on Instagram, after signing a seven-year deal reported around €125m and becoming Africa’s most expensive player. EU Cocoa Rules Pressure: Ivory Coast’s cocoa regulator says it’s ready for new EU anti-deforestation rules, but exporters warn compliance systems due next month could disrupt purchases and exports. Football—Amad Diallo sidelined: Manchester United left out Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo for a minor training injury ahead of the Premier League opener. Sports diplomacy—Youth Day invite: Vatican Cardinal Czerny urged West African youth to attend the inaugural West Africa Youth Day in Accra, telling them “you are not alone.”

Real Madrid Deal: Ivorian teenager Yan Diomandé, 19, has signed a seven-year contract with Real Madrid after RB Leipzig agreed a reported $144.3m fee, making him the most expensive African player ever; Diomandé says he’s not scared of the pressure and is ready to “die” for coach José Mourinho. US Court Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down Donald Trump’s immigrant-visa suspension for 75 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Cocoa Compliance Watch: London cocoa prices eased, while Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa regulator says the country is ready for new EU anti-deforestation rules—yet exporters warn compliance could disrupt purchases and exports. Ivory Coast Gas Business: Panoro Energy signed an $80m deal to buy DNO’s indirect stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Côte d’Ivoire (Block CI-27), targeting supplies for the domestic market. Health & Sanitation: WHO/UNICEF report low sanitation standards in West African health facilities, with Côte d’Ivoire among the countries facing gaps that affect patient dignity and safety.

US Visa Ruling: A US federal court in Manhattan blocked Donald Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting Nigeria and 74 other countries, including Ivory Coast, saying the State Department directive was unlawful and exceeded the secretary of state’s powers. Football Spotlight (Ivory Coast): Manchester United confirmed Amad Diallo’s absence from the squad for the Premier League opener against Hull City, citing a minor training injury, while Real Madrid’s new Ivorian signing Yan Diomandé says he’s ready to “die” for coach José Mourinho as he begins his seven-year stint. Cocoa & EU Rules: Ivory Coast’s cocoa regulator says the country is ready for the EU’s anti-deforestation rules, using digital farmer ID cards to trace beans from farms to ports—though exporters warn the system could disrupt purchases and exports. Energy Deal (Ivory Coast): Panoro Energy agreed to buy DNO’s indirect stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Ivory Coast’s Block CI-27 in an $80m deal, targeting supplies for the domestic market. Sports (Regional): Rivers United’s assistant coach Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel says the club is battle-ready for the 2026/27 season across league, cup and CAF Champions League.

Cocoa Living Income Push: Fairtrade Africa will hold Change Day 2026 in Accra on Aug 27, bringing together cocoa producers, buyers and policymakers to roll out new 2026 Fairtrade Living Income Reference Prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana—aimed at closing the gap between farm-gate prices and a living income. EU Cocoa Rules: Côte d’Ivoire says it is ready for the EU’s end-December anti-deforestation law, with digital “producer cards” meant to prove traceability from farms to export ports—though exporters warn compliance could disrupt purchases. Gas Deal in Côte d’Ivoire: Panoro Energy has signed an $80m agreement to buy DNO’s indirect stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Block CI-27, boosting Panoro’s Côte d’Ivoire presence as the deal is set to close mid-September. Health & Sanitation Gap: WHO/UNICEF report that many West African health facilities still lack basic sanitation, with sanitation shortfalls highlighted across the region. Digital Infrastructure MoA: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed a strategic MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services. Cocoa Price Pressure: Cocoa futures rose on crop concerns, including estimates pointing to weaker Ghana and early signals of below-average Côte d’Ivoire output amid El Niño risks.

Energy & Investment: Panoro Energy signed an $80m deal with DNO to buy DNO’s indirect stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Côte d’Ivoire’s Block CI-27, where output supplies about 70% of the domestic market and Panoro says the block holds the country’s largest non-associated gas reserves. EU Cocoa Rules: Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa regulator says it’s ready for the EU’s anti-deforestation rules, using digital “producer cards” to trace beans from farms to ports starting with the 2026/27 season—though exporters warn the system could disrupt purchases and shipments. Health & Sanitation: WHO/UNICEF report that many West African health facilities still lack basic sanitation, with sanitation rates especially low in countries like Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso, raising concerns for patient dignity and infection control. Sports & Youth Talent: Ivorian forward Yan Diomandé says he’s “ready to die” for José Mourinho after completing his high-profile move to Real Madrid, while the wider 2026 transfer window continues to set new spending records. Digital Infrastructure: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed an MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services.